Surfing Morocco

The undisputed epicentre of Moroccan surfing. This former fishing village 19 km north of Agadir has transformed into a world-class surf destination while retaining its laid-back Berber character. The coastline around Taghazout packs an extraordinary density of surf spots into a short stretch of coast: from the long, peeling right-handers of Anchor Point and Killer Point to the gentle beach breaks of Panoramas and Devil's Rock. The village itself is a charming tangle of blue-shuttered houses, rooftop cafes serving fresh tagine, and surf shops renting boards of every description. Whether you are catching your first wave or hunting overhead barrels, Taghazout delivers.

A sleepy fishing village perched on a dramatic headland 90 km north of Agadir, Imsouane is Morocco's mellow alternative to Taghazout. The bay produces what many consider the longest rideable wave in Africa -- a gentle, endlessly peeling right-hander that can carry you for 500 metres or more on a good day. The wave is perfect for longboarding and for intermediates looking to connect turns on an open face. The village has a fraction of Taghazout's development, lending it a beautifully raw, undiscovered feel. Fresh fish from the harbour, sunsets from the clifftop, and the sound of waves crashing below make Imsouane a place that surf travellers fall in love with and return to year after year.

Essaouira is Morocco's wind capital, earning the nickname "Wind City of Africa." The trade winds that blow consistently from April through September create world-class conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while the surf is best in autumn and winter when the wind drops. The long, wide beach stretching south of the medina walls provides easy beach-break waves perfect for beginners, while the Moulay Bouzerktoun spot 25 km north hosts international kitesurfing competitions. The city itself is magnificent: a UNESCO-listed medina, fresh seafood grills, art galleries, and a vibrant music scene headlined by the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival.

Twenty-five kilometres south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a long sweep of golden sand backed by a handful of surf camps, guesthouses, and cafes. The village takes its name from a whitewashed marabout (saint's shrine) that watches over the beach from a rocky promontory. The waves here are consistent, forgiving, and almost always have a section suitable for beginners, making it one of Morocco's best learn-to-surf destinations. The bohemian, unplugged atmosphere attracts yoga practitioners, digital nomads, and surf travellers who prefer authenticity over polish. Evening bonfires on the beach and the sound of the Atlantic are the default entertainment.

The wild, undeveloped coastline between Taghazout and Essaouira hides some of Morocco's best waves for experienced surfers. Banana Point, near the village of Tamri in the banana-growing valley, offers a powerful right-hand point break that barrels over a reef shelf on bigger swells. The area is also home to the endangered Northern Bald Ibis -- a birdwatching bonus between sessions. Access requires a car and local knowledge (or a guide). The reward is empty lineups and quality waves in a stunningly beautiful, rugged landscape where the Argan forests meet the Atlantic.

Well south of the main tourist trail, the coastline between Mirleft and Sidi Ifni is Morocco's surf frontier. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, hiding secluded bays with quality waves that rarely see other surfers. Mirleft is a charming cliff-top town with colourful guesthouses and restaurants perched above multiple surf beaches, while Art Deco-era Sidi Ifni, a former Spanish colonial outpost, adds a surreal architectural contrast. The area receives the same Atlantic swells as Taghazout but with a fraction of the crowd. Self-sufficient surfers with a sense of adventure are richly rewarded.